Book Review: The Codebreaker’s Secret by Sara Ackerman

“It’s so much easier to run away than to face your fears, so most people run.”

Sara Ackerman, The Codebreaker’s Secret

Review:

Every time I think I’ve covered reading every area possible of WWII, I’m proven wrong. Such was the case with The Codebreaker’s Secret and I am thrilled!

Set in Hawaii during WWII and the 1960s, this book provides two captivating timelines. It’s quite an emotional read as well as it is centered around grief and loss. The characters are wonderful. I found myself particularly attached to Gloria. Isabel’s friendship with her is so sweet. On the same note, I also loved the friendship Lu and Russi forged in the 60s timeline. Those were my best takeaways. 

I found the ending a bit unrealistic, but it did provide closure. All in all, this was a touching and adventurous story with a part of the war not often discussed. I’m excited to look up the Pearl Harbor codebreakers now. I’m also excited for the release day so I can purchase a copy to keep!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing a free ARC to read and review. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The strong friendships. Most of all (as I mentioned about) Isabel and Gloria’s.
• The setting. I’ve been really into Pacific set stories lately.
• The writing. It was polished yet natural.

What I didn’t like:

• The polished ending. Unfortunately, I can’t elaborate because of spoilers.
• The pacing was inconsistent.

Afterthoughts:

This might be a book I reread sometime. I feel like it’s going to get lost in the haste of summer reading. With ARCs, I feel a need to get through them quickly, but if this had been a book I picked up at the store it would have been one I savored.

Where to buy the book: